The chief executive of Christchurch Airport is confident the United States Antarctic programme will continue to call the city home despite a pledge from the Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, to entice the Americans to Tasmania.
The comment comes on the same day 120 scientists and logistics staff have headed to the ice from Christchurch, representing the first summer flight to the continent for the year.
Chief executive of Christchurch Airport, Jim Boult, was on hand to wish them good-bye.
Mr Boult, says Mr Abbott's motivation for wanting to attract the Americans is obvious with the base bringing in an estimated $100 million a year to Christchurch.
But he says the election promise was most likely just politicking saying the city has a number of advantages over Hobart including being closer to Antarctica.
